How to Swing in Musical Theatre
A Guide to Covering the Ensemble
- Available for pre-order on July 11, 2023. Item will ship after August 1, 2023
Preview
Book Description
How to Swing in Musical Theatre shines a light on the most universal techniques used by cast members who, in response to absence, cover multiple roles across an ensemble.
This is a guide that can be used not only to build a step-by-step understanding of what swinging is and how it can be approached, but also as a constant point of reference throughout a career in musical theatre. Providing a suite of practical, technical advice on everything from quick and easy notation to compiling one's own personal swing 'bible', everything that an aspiring or experienced musical theatre performer will need is clearly arranged and explained. The book also teaches The SAFE Strategy, which is recognised as the most functional swing method and introduces The SAFE Principles of Swinging: Safety, Awareness, Function and Evolution. The principles are an original construct, devised to ward off stress and invite positive experience through reasoned behaviours.
Musical theatre performers at every level of the profession will find this an invaluable guide that elevates their craft no matter what their previous training, experience or achievements in the industry.
Table of Contents
1. What is a swing? 2. How to think like a swing 3. Strategies for every swing 4. Success before you begin 5. How to learn the ingredients 6. How to record the variables 7. Basics of notation 8. Speed of notation 9. Information overload 10. Ready. Set. Swing bible. 11. Speed of extraction 12. In the performance space 13. Swing maps vs. Cheat sheets 14. Specialist Swing Skills (S.S.S.) 15. How to look after a swing brain 16. Outro
Author(s)
Biography
Jaye J. Elster traverses work as a director, choreographer and passionate guest lecturer for musical theatre institutes nationwide. As a professional actress, her West End credits include, ‘Half a Sixpence', 'Matilda the Musical' and 'Singin’ in the Rain' – a production she continues to oversee internationally.